Water-heater.



No, 828,394. PATENTED AUG. 14, 1906.

G.'R. ZEIGKBRT.

WATER HEATER. APPLICATION I'I'LED NOV. 2. 1904.

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1i i H .9 t i W I O w 1 22 5 I 1 l 5 1 I rm: NORRIS PETERS .11., WASHINGTON, 0.1,

PATENTED AUG. 14, 1906.

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W i 4 v 7 1 2 h M 7 6 v 5 Z 2 2 20d 00 G. R. FIOKERT. WATER HEATER.

APPLIOATION FILED NOV. 2. 1904.

No. 828,394. PATENTED AUG. 14,1906.

G R FIOKERT WATER HEATER.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 2. 1904.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GUSTAV RICHARDFICRERT, OF JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR, BY MESN E ASSIGNMENTS, TO HORACE M. KILBORN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

WATER-HEATER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 14, 1906.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GUSTAV RICHARD FIOKERT, a citizen of the United States, and

a resident of and whose post-office address is Jersey City, Hudson county, New Jersey, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Water-Heaters, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to water-heaters, and more particularly to such water-heaters as are employed for heating water in comparatively small quantities for domestic purposes by means of gas.

An object of my invention it to provide a water-heater of the class referred to the supply of heat to which is automatically controlled by the simple act of drawing water through the heater, and more particiflarly to provi e an automatic valve-operating mechanism which shall occupy a minimum of space and which may be set or adjusted to operate with varying water-pressures, and also to provide a valve mechanism which shall be uniform and reliable in operation and not apt to get out of order. These and other objects of my invention will more fully appear from the following description.

My invention consists in the novel parts,

improvements, and combinations herein shown and described.

The accompanying drawings, which are referred to herein and form a part hereof, illustrate one embodiment of my invention and serve, in. connection with the description herein, to explain the principles thereof.

Of the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a water-heater embodying my invention, the main casing of the heater and part of the heating-coil being in vertical central section. Fig. 2 is an elevation of the auto? matic, valve-operating mechanism as seen from the rear of the heater or from the right in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a vertical central section through the casing of the valve and valveoperating mechanism, the movable parts being shown in side elevation. Fig. 4 is a vertical central section through the valve and valve-operating mechanism with certain of the movable parts in elevation. Fig. 5 is a vertical central section illustrating a 'detail; and Figs. 6 and 7 are horizontal sections taken, respectively, on the lines 6 6 and 7 7 ofFigA. r

Like numbers of reference indicate like parts in the several views.

- Referring to the particular embodiment of my invention illustrated in the drawings, 1 represents the main casing of the heater, inclosing both the burner 2 and the water-heating receptacle 3. Any suitable burner may be employed, although I prefer a burner of the Bunsen type, as indicated in the drawings. Any suitable means having waterheating surfaces may be employed for transmitting the heat of the burner to the water. Preferably, however, a receptacle adapted to contain the water under pressure, such as the coil 3, is used. In accordance with the preferred construction also the water-heating coil is frusto-conical in form, the base of the frustum being arranged just above the burner and the pipe at the upper end thereof being continued in the form of a flat coil, as indicated, and terminating in a service-faucet 4. The automatic valve mechanism includes a casing 5, containing a fuel-controlling valve and being connected with the gas-supply pipe at 6 and with the burner2 at 7. Bigidly connected with the casing 5 by means of the bracket 8 is a casing 9, the same being connected at its lower end with the servicepipe 10 and at its upper end with a pipe-section 11, leading to the heating-coil 3.

Any suitable form of fuel-controlling valve may-be employed. In accordance with the preferred construction, as shown, the fuelvalve consists of a non-rotating reciprocating member 12, adapted to be seated on the mouth of the inlet-port-13. For the purpose of reciprocating the valve to control the flow of gas the member 12 is provided with an internally-threaded opening, to whichthe lower threaded end of a non-reciprocating stem 14 is fitted, said stem passing upwardly through an elongated opening in the upper end of the valve-casing 5.

In accordance with the embodiment of my invention illustrated the casing 9 is formed with a piston-chamber communicating at its lower end with the inlet-port 15 (see Fig. 5) and at its upper end with the outlet-port 16. Fitted for longitudinal movement in said-piston-chamber is a piston 17, adapted when in its lowermost position to interrupt communication between the inlet and outlet ports and whenin its uppermost position to establish communication between said ports. Any suitable connections may .be provided be tween said piston and the rotary valve-operating member.

In accordance with the preferred construction and as illustrated, however, the piston 17 is confined against rotation, as by means of one or more longitudinal splines 18, having corresponding grooves in the sides of the piston. Any suitable means may be employed for transforming the longitudinal movement of the piston into a rotary movement for operating the fuel-controlling valve.

- As shown, the pistonis pr'ovidedwith a cen- 19. and stem 14, the reliable operation of the. device even under a low water-pressureibeing thus insured. .Preferably the pitch ofthis spiral -means is greater than that of the threaded connection between the stem 14 andithe fuel-valve 12 where-such threaded,

connection is used. Any suitable connections may be provided between the spindle 19 andthe stem 14.

As shown, the spindle 19 is journaled at its upper end in a spider-frame 20, (seeFigs. 4-

and 6 seated in the mouth of. the outlet-port, and said spindle is confined atitslower. end

by means of aibushing 21 ,threaded-ina suit-.-

able opening inthelower. end ofthe casing 9 and entering a socketinthe lower end of the spindle 19. Passing through the bushing 21 and a similar bushing22 at the lower end of the casing 9 isarotating stem 23, having-a flattened. upper end entering a corresponding transverse recess in the lower end of the spindle 19. The stem 23, as shown, is provided with a shoulder 24, having atapered bearingsurface seated in the. correspondingrecess in the bushing 22 and. adapted to form a hermetic j ointtherewith 'under the pressure of thewater in the casing 9.

The space, between the. bushings 2,1. and 22 is preferably filled with-aheavygrease, such as vaseline, to, lubricate thejoint between the stem andthe bushing 22 and-render thesame perfectly wateretight. For the purpose of avoiding frictionand possible unseating of the j ointbetween the stem23-and the bushing 22 a loose coupling connection-ispra vided between'the stem 23. and the stem 14. Any suitable coupling .may be used. As shown, the .stem14-is providedwith a collar 25, having oppositely-arranged radialarms 26, and a collar 27 is fixed to the ends of the stem 23, said collar having oppositely-arranged arms adapted to engage the arms 26 of. the collar. 25.

v The operation of the device is as follows: When water is drawn through the heater, the pressure will be reduced on the upper side of the piston 17, and the pressure from the water-main will operate to move the piston 17 upwardly until communication is established between the inlet and outlet ports. The upward motion of the piston 17 will rotate the spindle 19 and through it thespindles- 23 and 14, thereby raising the fuelavalve. When the .water is turned off, the piston 17 may operate through itsv own weight to ,return the ports to their normal position. To render the operation of the device 4 certain, however, a spring 28 may be confinedzbetween the piston 17 and the spider-frame 20, so as to be compressed by the'upwa-rd motion of the piston and by its expansion. to assist in the downward motion thereof.

In. order to overcomethe friction effect. of varying pressures of water upon thejoint 2-4 between'the stem 23-andthe'bushing 22, '1 preferably em 'loy in addition tothe-spring 28 an adjustab e, spring for assisting in the return movement of the piston. As-shown a coil-spring 29 is fastened atone end to the stem 14, preferably at a point without .the casing 5, the other end of said spring being securedto the inner surface of a spring-inclosing. case 30, suitably'journaled on the end of thecase 5 in concentricrelation with the stem 14. FOIztllB purpose of turning-the case 30 soas to vary: the tension of; the spring 29 the latter is provided with worm-teeth adapted to beengagedbya wormorscrew 3 1, horizontally journaled in the lbraeket r 8, as clearly shown in Fig. 2.

A pilot-light 32 for the burner2 is connected with the gas-supply beneath the valve 12, as clearly indicated in Fig. ;1, a .valve3'31being provided to 1 control lthe supply ato .the

ilot. P My'invcntionin itsbroader aspects is not limited ,to the precise construction shown and described, as many changes may be made in the details thereof without departingfrom the main principles of the invention and without sacrificingiits chief advantages. I

Having; thus described my invention, .what I claim,.- and desire tosecure by-Letters Batent,-is

1. An automatic valve mechanism for waterheate-rs, including. in: combination a valve for cont-rolling the supply of fuel to the-heater, a casing having a piston-chambenand inlet and outlet ports communicatingwith:the opposite ends ofsaidch-amber, a'piston in said chamber adapted to be movedbvthewaterpressure to establish communication between said ports, andv connections.betweensaidipiston and said valve, said connections including a rotary member and spiral means whereby the movement of the piston actuates said rotary member.

' 2. An automatic valve mechanism for water-heaters, including in combination a valve for controlling the supply of fuel to the heater, a casin having a piston-chamber and inlet and out et ports communicating with the opposite ends of said chamber, a non-rotating 1piston in said chamber adapted to be moved y the water-pressure to establish communication between said ports, and connections between said piston and said valve, said connections including a rotary member mounted to rotate on an axis parallel with the line of movement of the piston and means whereby the non-rotary movement of the piston in the piston-chamber actuates said rotary member.

3. An automatic valve mechanism for water-heaters, including in combination a valve for controlling the supply of fuel to the heater,

a casing having a piston-chamber and inlet and outlet ports communicating with the opposite ends of said chamber, a piston in said chamber adapted to be moved by the waterpressure to establish communication between said ports, means for returning the piston to interrrupt communication between said ports, and connections between said piston and said valve, said connections including a rotary member mounted to rotate on an axis parallel with the line. of movement of the piston and spiral means whereby the movement of the piston actuates said rotary member.

4. An automatic valve mechanism for water-heaters, including in combination a valve for controlling the supply of fuel to the heater,

a casing having a piston-chamber and inlet and outlet ports communicating with the opposite ends of said chamber, a piston in said chamber adapted to be moved by the waterpressure to establish communication between said ports, a spring for returning said piston to interrupt communication between said ports, means for varying the force with which said spring operates, and connections between said piston and said valve, said 0011- nections including a rotary member and spiral means whereby the movement of the piston actuates said rotary member.

5. An automatic valve mechanism for water-heaters, including in combination a valve for controlling the supply of fuel to the heater, a casin having a piston-chamber and inlet and outlet ports communicating with the opposite ends of said chamber, a piston in said chamber adapted to be moved by the waterpressure to establish communication between said ports, a spring for returning said piston to interrupt communication between said ports, means for varying the force with which said spring operates, and connections between said piston and said valve, said connections including two rotary members, one being threaded to said piston and the other to said valve, whereby the movement of said piston is communicated to the valve by rotary motion.

6. An automatic valve mechanism for water-heaters, including in combination a valve for controlling the supply of fuel to the heater, a casing having a piston-chamber and inlet and outlet ports communicating with the opposite ends of said chamber, a piston in said chamber adapted to be moved by the Water-pressure to establish communication between said ports, a spring for returning said piston to interrupt communication between said ports, means for varying the force with which said spring operates, and connections between said piston and said valve, said connections including two rotary members loosely coupled together, one of said members being threaded to said piston and the other to said valve.

7. An automatic valve mechanism for water-heaters, including in combination a valve for controlling the supply of fuel to the heater, a casing having a piston-chamber and inlet and outlet ports communicating with the opposite ends of said chamber, a

piston in said chamber adapted to be moved by the water-pressure to establish communication between said ports, a spring for returning said piston to interrupt communication between said ports, means including a screw and worm-wheel for varying the force with which said spring operates, and connections between said piston and said valve, said connections including a rotary member, and means whereby the movement of the piston actuates said rotary member.

8. An automatic valve mechanism for water-heaters, including in combination a valve-casing a valve in said casing, a rotary valve-operating member projecting through said casing, a casing having a piston-chamber and inlet and outlet ports communicating with the opposite ends of said chamber, a piston in said chamber, a rotary member having operative connection with said piston casing, means for securing said casings together with said rotary members in substantial alinement, and a loose coupling between said rotary members.

9. An automatic valve mechanism for water heaters, including in combination a valve-casing, a valve in said casing, a rotary valve-operating member projecting through said casing, a casing having a piston-chamber and inlet and outlet ports communicating IIO and projecting through said piston-chamber with the opposite ends of said chamber, a pis ton in said chamber, a rotary member having operative connection with said piston and projecting through said piston-chamber casing, means for securing said casings together with said rotary members in substantial alinement, a coupling between said rotary members adapted to cause the valveoperating member to rotate in one direction with the piston-operated member, a spring for actuating said valve-operating member in the opposite direction, and means for adjusting the tension of said spring.

10. An automatic valve mechanism for water-heaters, including in combination a valve-casing, a valve in said casing, a rotary valve-operating member projecting through said casing, a casing having a piston-chamber and inlet and outlet ports communicating with the opposite ends of said chamber, a piston in said chamber, a rotary member having operative connection with said piston and projecting through said piston-chamber casing, means for securing said casings together with said rotary members in substantial alinement, a coupling between said rotary members whereby the valve-operating member is caused to rotate in one direction with the piston-operated member, a spring for actuating said valve-operating member in the opposite direction, one end of said spring being connected to said valve-operating member outside of the valve-casing, a spring-inclosing case to which the other end of said spring is secured, said spring-inclo sing case being rotatively mounted so as to vary the tension of said spring, and means for rotating said spring-inclosing case.

11. In a water-heater, the combination of means having a water-heating surface, a burner, a valve for controlling the supply of fuel to the burner, and means for automatically operating the said valve, comprising a casing having a piston-chamber and inlet and outlet ports communicating with the opposite ends of said chamber, a piston in said chamber adapted to be moved by the water-pressure to establish communication between said ports, and connections between said piston and said valve, said connections including a rotary member and spiral means whereby the movement of the piston along the pistonchamber actuates said rotary member.

12. In a water-heater, the combination of means having water-heating surfaces, a burner, a valve for controlling the supply of fuel to the burner, and means for automatically operating said valve, comprising a casing having a piston-chamber and inlet and outlet ports communicating with the opposite ends of said chamber, a non-rotating piston in said chamber adapted to be moved by Waterpressure to establish communication between said inlet and outlet ports, means independent of the-water-pressure for returning said piston, and connections between said piston and said valve, said connections including two rotary members, one being threaded to said piston and the other being threaded to said valve and a loose coupling between said rotary members.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing wltnesses.

GUSTAV RICHARD FICKERT.

Witnesses:

J. H. FREEMAN, EDWIN SEGER. 

